my brother just returned from a two-week trip to taiwan. he went to see the country and learn the culture, as well as to speak to students. he and his girlfriend, who picked him up from the airport, stopped by a few minutes ago to say hi and give us some gifts. he brought me a good luck bracelet with my name and the date he got it engraved on it. he also gave us a good luck cat figurine, taiwanese coffee (can’t wait to try *that* in the morning!) and taiwanese honey. yum.

during his 18-hour flight home he had a layover in denver. before the plane could takeoff for the leg to atlanta, five people had to get off because “the plane was too heavy to fly.” that’s just a bit disconcerting to me. i think i’d volunteer to get off! what do you all think?